(19)

(11)

EP 1 009 280 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 21.06.2000 Bulletin 2000/25 (21) Application number: 98918259.7 (22) Date of filing: 15.04.1998

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: A61B 5/08, A61B 5/091, G01F 1/20, G01F 1/24 (86) International application number: PCT/US9807/605 (87) International publication number: WO 9847/425 (29.10.1998 Gazette 1998/43)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE CH DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI NL PT SE (30) Priority: 18.04.1997 US 839799 (71) Applicant: MALLINCKRODT, INC. St. Louis, MO 63134 (US)	(72) Inventors: AYLSWORTH, Alonzo, C. Glencoe, MO 63038 (US) GRAHAM, Charles Arnold, MO 63010 (US) MILLER, Gregory, R. Chesterfield, MO 63005 (US) (74) Representative: Jones, Alan John et al CARPMAELS & RANSFORD43 Bloomsbury Square London, WC1A 2RA London, WC1A 2RA (GB)